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Influence of probiotic supplemented infant formula on composition of plasma lipids in atopic infants

Pasi E. Kankaanpää1, Baoru Yang, Heikki P. Kallio

  • 1Departments of Biochemistry and Food Chemistry, University of Turku, 20014, Turku, Finland

The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry
|June 29, 2002
PubMed

Insights

Probiotic supplementation in infant formula altered fatty acid levels, impacting the absorption of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). This suggests a link between probiotics and PUFA metabolism in infants with eczema.

Area of Science:

  • Nutrition Science
  • Microbiology
  • Pediatric Allergy

Background:

  • Probiotic therapy shows promise for managing allergic symptoms.
  • The impact of probiotics on dietary polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) absorption and utilization requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine if probiotic supplementation affects PUFA absorption and utilization in infants with atopic eczema.
  • To explore the relationship between specific probiotic strains (Bifidobacterium Bb-12 and Lactobacillus GG) and fatty acid profiles.

Main Methods:

  • A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study involving 15 infants with atopic eczema.
  • Infants received infant formula supplemented with Bifidobacterium Bb-12, Lactobacillus GG, or a placebo.
  • Plasma neutral lipids and phospholipids were analyzed for fatty acid proportions, specifically alpha-linolenic acid (18:3 n-3).

Main Results:

  • Probiotic supplementation reduced alpha-linolenic acid proportions in plasma neutral lipids.
  • Lactobacillus GG did not alter alpha-linolenic acid in phospholipids.
  • Bifidobacterium Bb-12 significantly increased alpha-linolenic acid proportions in phospholipids (0.13 ± 0.03 to 0.24 ± 0.03, P = 0.002).

Conclusions:

  • Probiotic interventions can influence the absorption and utilization of dietary PUFAs in infants.
  • Specific probiotic strains may have differential effects on fatty acid metabolism.
  • These findings highlight potential physiological interactions between probiotics and dietary PUFAs in the context of infant health.

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